Empowering Young Athletes
The Watts Foundation's Legacy of Mentorship and Growth
In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, the Watts Foundation is making waves, empowering young athletes to elevate their basketball skills while receiving valuable mentorship. This vision stems from the legacy of Slick Watts, former Seattle Super Sonic and longtime Seattle Public Schools educator, and his son Coach Donald Watts Jr., a University of Washington basketball standout.
A Legacy Built on Giving Back
Coach Donald Watts embodies his father’s ethos of community dedication. “I don’t know anything else but to give back and to help and be around kids,” he shared during a recent interview. Growing up in a gym, thanks to his father’s influence, basketball and mentorship became second nature.
After a successful career as a shooting guard at the University of Washington, he teamed up with his father to create Watts Basketball and the Watts Foundation. Together, they built a platform to nurture young athletes both on and off the court. “This is my example of a man growing up,” he says, reflecting on his father’s lifelong commitment to community service. Slick Watts worked tirelessly for over 30 years in Seattle’s public schools, cementing his role as an impactful mentor.
Facing Challenges Head-On
The Watts family’s journey hasn’t been without hardship. In December 2023, Coach Donald experienced a stroke—an unexpected setback that mirrored his father’s massive stroke during the pandemic. Yet, rather than letting adversity halt their mission, Donald Jr. used his recovery as an opportunity to connect even more deeply with the young people he mentors.
“When I was learning how to walk again or use my left hand, it took me back to the times where I was learning it for the first time,” he recalls.
Building Winning Habits
Through his own physical rehabilitation, Coach Donald Watts draws inspiration from the young athletes he trains. “One of the things kids really need from adults is understanding and encouragement—to recognize they’re headed in the right direction even if the scoreboard says otherwise.”
This philosophy is at the core of the Watts Foundation’s mission: teaching young athletes that success is about building habits that lead to growth, not just winning games. Mentors like Donald Jr. focus on helping kids develop resilience, discipline, and the ability to strive for excellence—both on the court and in life.
The Call for Community Support
The Watts Foundation has seen a decline in enrollment in recent years, making community support more crucial than ever. With fewer kids attending camps, the organization is facing challenges in maintaining operations.
“Getting 15 to 20 kids per camp sponsored would not only provide those kids with essential life skills but also help us keep the lights on,” Coach Donald Watts explains. He’s calling on the community to step up and ensure the foundation’s vital work continues.
"You realize setbacks are part of the process, and growth happens when you focus on how far and how fast you can improve."
How You Can Help
Supporting the Watts Foundation is an investment in the next generation of leaders. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Sponsor a Camper
Spread the Word
Visit WattsFoundation.org and wattsbasketball.com to learn more about how you can get involved.